Almost a year ago, Inyo Narcotics agents arrested Brett Birmingham of Big Pine for alleged sales of marijuana. His case is still in the courts, and Birmingham claims he followed state medical marijuana laws and has done nothing wrong.

INET agents said they had conducted a four-month investigation, including a buy of marijuana from Birmingham by an undercover agent. Birmingham maintains that the undercover agent is the same officer who purchased marijuana from Mammoth Lakes’ Bill Crosby.

Birmingham sees parallels in his and Crosby’s cases. Will he file a claim against Inyo County like Crosby’s claims against Mammoth and Mono County? Birmingham said, “I can’t say.” What he did say is, “ITs not my interest to be a drug dealer. I have never before been arrested on drugs. I opened my medical marijuana business to help people. Ultimately, I would just like to have my store.”

Birmingham maintains he “feels it’s truly necessary for people ill or dying. It’s not my job to make medical decisions. It’s my job to allow safe access to medical marijuana.” Birmingham also accuses Inyo County for failure to address rules for access to medical marijuana.

He will make a court appearance Tuesday in Independence at 1:30. Birmingham faces charges of possession and sales of marijuana and maintaining a place for sales of marijuana.